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The Day I Became a U.S. Citizen

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Big day around here, guys! Years after filing my application, I'm a U.S. citizen. My parents and siblings have been for a while now, and it's exciting to join the group.

Still, I'll be rocking dual citizenship, it's only appropriate. England was such a wonderful country to call home, and many of the friendships I made haven't been lost. When Brian and I visited last May, it was so nice to introduce him to my closest friends and places I grew up in. It's a part of me I don't want to lose. On the other hand, this place couldn't have treated me better since I set foot in it. There really are so many opportunities, and it's an honor to live such a privileged life in a diverse, free, kind country. My family has built a life here I'm so grateful for, and it's exciting to officially call it home as well.

I'm glad this chapter is closed, though. Oh how I'm not going to miss the 7 a.m. trips to the immigration office with Brian. The ones in the freezing cold, in the middle of winter, over the past three years were especially nice. I can't count how many times we've gone and can't put into words how lucky I always felt to not go alone. You know, I will miss our little Cuban restaurant we always ate breakfast at after, though. Those cafe con leches, dude. Wowza.

And my parents. I'm so thankful for their support, and everyone else's as well. The calls, texts and emails today! You guys sure know how to make a girl feel special, and if you're really lucky, and I lose a bit of dignity, I'll show you the photo on my citizenship certificate. Guaranteed you've never seen anything like it.